Common Raven vs Downy Woodpecker
Corvus corax compared with Picoides pubescens
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Common Raven | Downy Woodpecker |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Corvus corax | Picoides pubescens |
| Order | Passeriformes | Piciformes |
| Family | Corvidae | Picidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | 63.0 cm (24.8 in) | 16.0 cm (6.3 in) |
| Wingspan | 130.0 cm (51.2 in) | 28.0 cm (11.0 in) |
| Weight | 1200.0 g (42.33 oz) | 27.0 g (0.95 oz) |
| Diet | Omnivorous and opportunistic — carrion, small animals, insects, eggs, grain, fruit, and human refuse. Among … | Insects and larvae extracted from bark, supplemented with seeds, berries, and suet at feeders. Often … |
| Clutch Size | 1-8 | -- |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
Common Raven
Diverse habitats from Arctic tundra to deserts, mountains, forests, and coastlines. Avoids dense urban areas but thrives near human activity.
Downy Woodpecker
Deciduous and mixed forests, orchards, parks, and suburban areas. The most common woodpecker at feeders in North America.
Song & Call Comparison
Common Raven
Highly varied: deep resonant 'kraa-kraa-kraa', hollow 'tok-tok', liquid 'klonk', and wing-whooshing. Among the most intelligent corvid callers; uses calls contextually in groups.
Downy Woodpecker
A sharp 'pik' or 'peek' contact call. Drums on resonant branches with a rapid, light tattoo — softer than larger woodpeckers. Also gives a high descending whinny 'keeer-keeer'.
Geographic Range & Migration
Common Raven
Holarctic distribution across North America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa. The most widely distributed corvid.
Downy Woodpecker
North America from Alaska and Canada south through the United States, excluding the arid Southwest.
Conservation Status
Common Raven
Downy Woodpecker
How to Tell Them Apart
Common Raven
All black with a glossy purplish-blue iridescent sheen. Shaggy throat hackles, long wedge-shaped tail, and large robust build distinguish it from crows.
Large, powerful, curved black bill
Downy Woodpecker
Black and white plumage with a broad white stripe down the back. Black wings with white spots. Males have a small red patch on the nape.
Short, chisel-shaped, dark bill — noticeably shorter than the similar hairy woodpecker
About These Birds
Common Raven
The common raven is among the most intelligent birds, demonstrating tool use, future planning, and social manipulation in scientific studies. In many cultures, ravens feature prominently in mythology as creators, tricksters, or messengers. Their complex vocalizations include over 30 distinct calls.
Downy Woodpecker
The downy woodpecker is the smallest and most widespread woodpecker in North America. Its small size allows it to forage on thin branches and weed stems that larger woodpeckers cannot access. Downies often join mixed-species flocks in winter, benefiting from the extra vigilance of multiple species watching for predators.